From Mission Tourist to Global Citizen

Preparing to Maximize the Impact of Short-term Mission Service

The Missing Dimensions of Short-Term Mission Trips

We focus on our goingYet more important is our returningThe impact of our going and returning will be determined by the quality of our preparingTheology of Travel: When God wants to change someone’s life he takes them on a trip

More than logistics and fellowshipHealthClothingSuppliesTravel PlansMinistry Prep.MoneySafetyTeam work

These are essential parts of preparation

But there are deeper issues that must be addressed

Neglect the depths, and we’ll skim the surface

The quality of the results of our trip will depend on quality of our preparation 1. Study: Short-Term Mission

Preparation Workbook, Beyond Duty, Mack and Leanne’s Guide

2. Language Learning3. Encountering your new culture now4. Culture/Country Research5. Team Building6. Skill & Resource Development

JOURNAL1. Personal Mission Statement2. Personal Learning Objectives3. Team Covenant4. Reflections while preparing, on trip,

upon return (garbage dump)5. Responses to 8 great questions

1. LEARNING--The World is our Classroom: 8 GREAT QUESTIONS: What can I learn about

1. myself?2. God? 3. the people of God, the Church, community?4. how culture impacts the way we live and

view the Gospel?5. justice, economics, poverty and politics? 6. discipleship as a follower of Christ?7. a globally appropriate lifestyle?

8. my own vocation?

2. SERVING--Short-term Mission as a Treasure Hunt

How can I participate in what God is doing in this context? 1 Corinthians 2.1-5

How can I be a source of encouragement and affirmation to the people who live here? Philippians 4.4-9

Who is one person with whom I’ll continue a relationship? Romans 16

Keys to a treasure huntWalk with humilityEmbrace with affirmationLive with vulnerabilityPractice flexibilityExplore as a studentWork as a servantSpeak as a storyteller

3. TRANSFORMING—Returning home by a different route

God wants to work in you & through youReflect on the 8 great questionsFind a prayer and debriefing partner before you leaveKeep asking: ‘how is God calling me to be and to live differently in light of this experience?’

Debriefing--Integration

1. Signed agreement2. Journal on 8 great questions3. Debriefing partner